Saving Energy While Preserving Biodiversity – Montfermeil (France)
Montfermeil Reduces Energy Consumption by 83% Through the Modernization of Its Public Lighting
In Montfermeil, the energy transition is now visible on the streets. Known for its preserved natural spaces—notably the Arboretum Park, the town’s true “green lung”—the city has undertaken a complete renovation of its public lighting. This extensive program, launched in 2024 and set to be completed in 2026, has a clear goal: to sustainably reduce energy consumption, improve lighting quality, and meet new environmental requirements.
A modernization that became necessary
Like many municipalities, Montfermeil was hit hard by rising energy costs in 2022. To maintain its budgetary balance, the municipality had to turn off part of its public lighting—an exceptional measure that was repeated the following year.
In addition to this economic constraint, there was another factor to consider: with an average age of nearly 19 years, the public lighting infrastructure required modernization that had become essential.
“Rising energy costs have forced us to take emergency measures. Upgrading the public lighting system quickly became a priority in order to achieve long-term savings,” explains Fabrice Dore, Director of Public Spaces in Montfermeil.
Rather than opting for a blanket replacement, the municipality took a measured approach. The most recent LED fixtures were retained when they could be reprogrammed to improve their energy efficiency, while the most energy-intensive or obsolete equipment was replaced. This strategy made it possible to optimize investments while accelerating the transition of the lighting infrastructure.
A project planned down to the last detail
In total, nearly 2,600 light fixtures were renovated using solutions from GROUPE RAGNI.
Committed to prioritizing French manufacturing, the municipality selected several models suited to various uses and urban landscapes: TEKK S, CIRKO TOP, FLEX, MOUGINS, AIR, DEIKO S, IRYS, BENTO AREA, and KARO. Their design, photometric performance, and excellent value for money were the key factors in this decision.
The project also incorporates solar street lights, with about 20 COMBI TOP fixtures from NOVÉA ÉNERGIES installed in the Arboretum grounds. This solution has made it possible to provide lighting in areas without access to the electrical grid while meeting the requirements of the “Fonds vert” fund, which mandated the inclusion of a minimum amount of photovoltaic equipment as part of the program.
In addition to upgrading the equipment, significant work was done on photometric quality to improve the uniformity of the lighting.
“With a spacing of about 30 meters between the lights, we now have much more uniform lighting that is better suited to our needs,” explains Fabrice Dore.
Saving energy while preserving biodiversity
The renovation also reflects a strong environmental commitment.
In order to comply with the “Fonds Vert” specifications and limit light pollution, the municipality has selected particularly warm color temperatures: 2,700 K throughout its entire territory and 2,200 K in the Arboretum park, in order to preserve nocturnal biodiversity.
The operating strategy has also been revised. Rather than turning off the lights completely—a measure deemed detrimental to residents’ comfort and sense of security—the municipality has opted to reduce lighting levels to 80% between 23:00 and 05:00. Only municipal parks are now completely dark at night.
Already very significant results
The benefits are now fully measurable.
Montfermeil has reduced its energy consumption by 83% while providing lighting that is more uniform, more efficient, and better suited to its residents’ needs.
“Our goal was to significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising residents’ quality of life. Today, the results are very promising,” emphasizes Fabrice Dore.
This project was made possible thanks to support from the “Fonds Vert” fund which awarded a grant of 1.518 million euros (excluding tax) to help renovate the oldest facilities.
An investment paid off in less than six years
Beyond energy savings, the renovation also offers a particularly attractive return on investment.
“Between the savings on energy, subscriptions, and maintenance—plus the subsidies—the ROI is estimated at less than six years. Many poles and networks have also been upgraded. If we consider only the replacement of the streetlights, the ROI would have been about four years.”
A final phase of the project is currently underway. It involves the installation of nearly 170 additional light fixtures—including the IRYS, CIRKO, and DEIKO models—along the city’s main thoroughfares and in its squares. Upon completion in 2026, 100% of Montfermeil’s public lighting system will have been modernized, making this project one of the most ambitious renovation projects undertaken by the municipality in recent years.
Trust and closeness at the heart of the project
“We’ve built a relationship based on trust because, beyond the fact that the products are made in France, the quality of the equipment, and the reliability of the after-sales service, it was also the responsiveness of the teams that naturally led us to choose GROUPE RAGNI,” concludes Fabrice Dore.
This renovation project demonstrates the ability to balance energy efficiency, control of public spending, quality of service, preservation of biodiversity, and enhancement of the urban heritage. It is a successful transition, made possible by a long-term vision and close collaboration between the municipality and its partners.
GROUPE RAGNI would like to extend its warmest thanks to the town of Montfermeil for its hospitality and the quality of our discussions and to Mr. Bruno Bergheaud, Sales Manager at ETUDEQUIPE, for his support throughout this project.